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No need to worry basketball fans. The wait is finally over. The 2018-19 NBA season got off to a hot start as blockbuster matchups headlined a highly anticipated year of basketball.

Rockets v Pelicans

All eyes were on the Houston Rockets as they faced off the New Orleans Pelicans opening day. Reigning MVP James Harden faced off against premiere big-man Anthony Davis.

The Rockets seemed to be fan favorites with new addition Carmelo Anthony and a favorable top team reputation in the NBA. Anthony, however, had a disappointing night with just nine points. And while Harden nearly grabbed a triple-double, the team came up extremely short as they lost a blowout with a score of 112-131.

Davis used the team’s struggles to his advantage.He filled up the stat sheet with 32 points, 16 rebounds, eight assists, three blocks and three steals. With the help of Nikola Mirotic’s own 30 point night, the Pelicans handed the Rockets their first loss of the season.

Celtics v 76ers

In a rematch from last year’s playoff, the Celtics and 76ers bashed heads in a new found rivalry. Kyrie Irving was off to a slow 0-8 start but Jayson Tatum made up for it. Tatum dropped 23 points, nine rebounds and three assists. He was a commanding factor in the Celtics’ big win. With a league-deep lineup, the Celtics are a threat to contend with for championships to come.

But don’t sleep on the 76ers. With a star studded lineup including Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid, Philly can bounce back from this loss. Embiid dropped 23 points and grabbed 10 boards while reigning Rookie of the Year Simmons would contribute with a near triple-double performance. The effort was not enough though as the Celtic’s got the 105 – 87 win over the 76ers, leaving Boston with a win in the Eastern Conference.

Lakers vs Trail Blazers

LeBron James made a dazzling Lakers debut Thursday night, issuing in a new era in Los Angeles basketball. James posted 26 points, 12 boards and six assists in 38 minutes. James and Blazers’ All-NBA guard Damian Lillard shared a few slam back-and-forth dunks to keep the energy alive.

The game itself was an eye opener as Lakers fans everywhere got a test of what the upcoming season may look like as the team struggled to knock down threes. The team combined to shoot just 23% from behind the arch. The Blazers spoiled James’ first game as a Laker and hope to have a strong season.